Not far from Brasov is Bran Castle, a former Teutonic knights’ fortress, from 1211. The legend of Dracula also touched the place. Bram Stoker’s famous novel, Dracula, has its main character depicted as a Transylvanian Count with a castle perched on a rock with a river flowing below. This character is often confused with Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler), sometimes known as Vlad Dracul, who was a Wallachian Prince with a castle, now in ruins, located in the Principality of Wallachia. Because Bran Castle is the only castle in all of Transylvania that fits Bram Stoker’s description of Dracula’s Castle, it is known throughout the world as Dracula’s Castle. 

The neighboring Rasnov Fortress, a temporary refuge of the population, was unconquerable by fight since 1427! It is a historic monument and landmark of Romania. The fortress was built as part of a defense system for the Transylvanian villages exposed to outside invasions.

We continue our trip with a visit to the Fagaras Fortress, built in 1310. The fact that it was used as fortress, refuge, residence, prison, host for Transylvanian Council, barracks, prison again, makes it a noteworthy visit. 

At the beautiful Sambata Monastery we encounter the Romanian architectural style from 1657, called the “brancovenesc” style. The medieval Transylvania tour continues with a stop at the Cistercian Abbey of Carta village (1202), one of the oldest and most beautiful gothic monuments of Romania.

Once you reach Sibiu (Hermannstadt), you’ll be impressed by the towers and fortification walls in the old town, the medieval bohemian atmosphere will immerse you deeper into the story. Sibiu is awash in aristocratic elegance, as one of the most important cultural centers of Romania and was designated the European Capital of Culture in 2007. 

This day continues with amazing landmarks, starting with the Corvin Castle. It is the most beautiful castle in Eastern Europe, built in the 15th century. Being part of this environment, undoubtedly turns you into a knight or lady. With your newly found identity our next stop seems only appropriate – the Roman forum or amphitheater of Sarmizegetusa Ulpia Traiana, the roman capital of Dacia. Th finish off our day, we head to the Densus Church, a historical landmark built with stones and columns from Roman ruins. 

Today, you will enter the region of Oltenia with its authentic peasant life. Visiting Oltenia’s Village Museum in Curtisoara with its houses, tools, habits, pottery and typical clothes, you willl get a better feeling of the place.

Following the way to Targu Jiu, do take in the scenery. The sculptures of Constantin Brancusi, one of the fathers of the modern sculpture of the world will take your breath away. The Gate of the Kiss, the Table of Silence and the Endless Column make the sculptural ensemble, an homage brought by the artist to the heroes of the First World War. 

Step into the Horezu Monastery, built in 1700 in the same Romanian architectural style – brancovenesc, that you saw at Sambata Monastery. It’s worth to stop in the town of Horezu, world-renowned for its UNESCO-labeled pottery. The day’s cherry on the top is the Maldar Mansion from Maldaresti. 

You will start the day with a visit to the fortified mansions in Maldaresti. The little church close to the Greceanu Mansion also deserves a quick visit. 

At the base of the Fagaras Mountains you will be close to Poienari Castle, also known as Poienari Citadel, home of Vlad the Impaler. 1480 stairs are enough to make you hungry. Going downhill you will enjoy a delicious meal at “La Cetate” restaurant. 

You will finish the Romanian page of history for today, in Curtea de Arges Monastery. All kings and queens of the united Romania, starting with the Hohenzollern family, are buried here.